Report highlighted city expenditures

Wednesday, December 26, 2012By Lindsay Reed

On Nov. 19, the Washburn City Council reviewed a report that highlighted major expenditures approved since July 1.

The report, which was prepared by Julie Grillone, city clerk, listed the following items: a back-up generator, $7,000; a John Deere tractor, $3,500; the bridge upgrade on Second Street, $10,675; and the waterline upgrade on High Street, $74,072. The waterline upgrade project is not complete.

Grillone stated that the expenditures, which totatled $95,247, were not detrimental to the city's operating budget. Water rates have also been lowered twice during the second half of the year.

In other business, the Washburn City Council:

* Received a clean audit report from Decker and DeGood.

* Approved an ordinance for the general election that will be held on April 2, 2013.

During its meeting on Oct. 29, the council discussed leash law violations occurring in the city.

According to the city's leash law ordinance, all dogs must be kept under restraint, and it is unlawful for any owner to permit any dog to run at large within the city limits.

The leash law also requires pet owners to exercise proper care and control of their dogs to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.

Grillone, reported that she would place a leash law reminder on the utility bills.

In other business, the council:

* Voted to move $5,000 from the street savings to the street fund and $5,000 from the general savings to the general fund. The transfers were made for general expenditures, said Grillone.

* Heard that the High Street waterline upgrade has been completed and pressure tested and that the city's storm sirens have received necessary upgrades are are in working order.